Israel to deploy additional troops to Syrian border as tensions grow hotter

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will send additional units to the area along the border with Syria, the military spokesperson’s office announced, as reported by Caliber.Az.

“In accordance with the assessment of the situation, a decision was made to increase IDF forces on the Syrian border,” the statement said.

The press office emphasised that Israeli forces “regularly evaluate the situation,” and based on these assessments, determine the necessary force composition to carry out operational tasks in various areas.

The IDF assured that it “will continue to act both defensively and offensively to ensure the security of Israeli citizens.”

The developments come amid heated sectarian violence in southern Syria’s As-Suwayda province, where clashes between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian government forces erupted on July 13, resulting in at least 99 deaths, including 60 Druze, 18 Bedouin, and 14 Syrian security personnel.

The sectarian violence in As-Suwayda heightened Israel’s concerns, particularly due to its historical and communal ties with the Druze community, which numbers approximately 150,000 in Israel.

On July 15, the IDF struck Syrian regime military vehicles, including tanks and rocket launchers, moving toward As-Suwayda, citing violations of the demilitarisation policy in southern Syria. This was followed by a targeted strike on July 16 on the Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus, intended as a warning to the new Syrian leadership under Sharaa to refrain from actions threatening Israel or the Druze. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s commitment to preventing harm to the Druze.

By Khagan Isayev